GeneWatch PR: GeneWatch Calls for Monsanto to Apologise and to Sack their Spin Doctors

For Immediate Release - Sunday February 28, 1999

GeneWatch response to the ASA's draft recommendation on complaints about Monsanto's
advertisements on genetically modified foods.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) draft report on Monsantos advertisements
about genetically modified (GM) foods and crops recommends that five complaints
about the series of advertisements be upheld (1). The ASA has concluded that
adverts run between June and September 1998 misled people because:

Monsanto claimed that GM potatoes and tomatoes had been given safety approval
in Europe when they had not (separate complaints about each crop to be upheld);

Monsanto were wrong to state that GM crops would result in food being grown
in a more environmentally sustainable way as this was not proven;

Monsanto confused people into thinking that they were prepared to sacrifice
sales of their herbicide Roundup to reduce pesticide use when they are not;

Monsanto had not been testing the safety of GM food for 20 years as they
claimed.

"It is clear that Monsanto are willing to make misleading claims to promote
their products. Two weeks ago they were found guilty of breaking the law when
they failed to follow the conditions laid down for their experimental tests
with GM oilseed rape. Now an independent assessment has shown that their advertisements
were untrue and misleading," said Dr Sue Mayer, GeneWatchs Director.

GeneWatch was one of the groups who complained to the ASA (2) and whose complaints
will be upheld.

"The advertisements were a disgrace. Although Monsanto claimed they were
promoting a public debate, they used the ads to mislead and confuse. It has
become impossible to trust Monsanto. Their PR spin doctors should be sacked
and Monsanto should apologise to the British public," added Sue Mayer.